Using discovery maps as a free-choice learning process can enhance the effectiveness of environmental education in a botanical garden

Abstract

Botanical gardens (BGs) are important agencies that enhance human knowledge and attitude towards flora conservation. By following free-choice learning model, we developed a ‘Discovery map’ and distributed the map to visitors at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunnan, China. Visitors, who did and did not receive discovery maps, were evaluated through a questionnaire and behavioural observations. The map-users scored significantly higher on knowledge than non-map-users. Map-users tended to spend more time and pay more attention to plants during tours than the non-map-users. The study provides evidence to indicate using discovery maps as a free-choice learning process can improve visitors’ engagement during the visit and may enhance the effectiveness of environmental education in botanical garden.

Keywords:

• botanical garden
• environmental education
• free-choice learning
• questionnaire

Acknowledgements

The research was supported by the XTBG, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The authors acknowledge the assistance from He He, Liu Guangyu, Wang Lilan, Zhang Weizhe, Li Danqing from XTBG during the field survey, and the constructive suggestions from Eben Goodale and Sophie Williams. The authors also acknowledge the anonymous reviewers for providing insightful comments for the early draft of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.